Vancouver has a way of pulling people in with its mix of mountains, ocean and vibrant city life. Whether you’re relocating for work, lifestyle, or simply a change of pace, getting settled in such a dynamic city takes some planning. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. You can follow the steps listed below to help you keep on track throughout the process. There’s also a section below that lists the average moving costs to Vancouver, both from outside BC and within the province.

Step 1: Start Planning Early

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Create a Timeline

The ideal time to start? About 6–8 weeks before moving day. This gives you room to sort, pack and make arrangements without rushing.

6–8 weeks before – Declutter, set a budget, research movers (though if moving from outside the province add an additional 2-3 months to this)

4–6 weeks before – Pack seasonal items, notify schools/employers

2–3 weeks before – Confirm moving details, update addresses, set up utilities

Final week – Pack essentials, clean home, confirm travel plans

If you spread out your tasks, you’ll avoid the stress of cramming everything into the last few days.

Step 2: Create a Moving Budget

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A move to a new city can get expensive quickly if you’re not tracking costs. Build a simple budget that covers moving company fees, packing supplies, travel expenses (fuel, food, accommodation) and utility connection or disconnection charges.

This is especially the case if you’re moving cross-country as the costs are higher and will place a bigger burden on your budget. For example, families working with Toronto, Winnipeg or Calgary to Vancouver movers find that getting early quotes helps them stay on budget and avoid surprise costs.

Step 3: Declutter Before You Pack

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Moving is the perfect chance to lighten the load. The fewer unnecessary items you bring, the easier (and cheaper) your move will be. It also gives you a fresh start if you’d like to try living with less stuff.

To downsize sort your things into four piles (keep, donate, sell or discard). For items that you can sell a garage sale is a good option. You can also donate gently used clothes and furniture to local charities.

Step 4: Gather Important Documents

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Long-distance moves often require key paperwork. Keep everything in a clearly labeled folder (or digital file) that stays with you, not the moving truck.

Documents to set aside include your ID, financial paperwork, such as bank, insurance and tax records and health and school records. This will give you peace of mind knowing that if something were to happen to the moving truck your important documents are safe. It will also help you settle faster once you arrive.

Step 5: Notify and Update Your Information

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Before you leave, update your address with all the right people. This step is easy to forget, but it saves a lot of headaches.

Notify the following:

• Utility companies (gas, water, internet, electricity)
• Canada Post (set up mail forwarding)
• Employers, schools and daycare providers
• Healthcare professionals and insurance companies

Step 6: Pack Smart

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Packing is more than just filling boxes, it’s about protecting your belongings for the journey. You can ask your mover if they have used boxes they can give you or you can ask someone who has moved recently if you get their old boxes. Another option is to rent plastic bins (these are especially helpful when moving to a wet climate clike Vancouver). Try to use strong, uniform boxes for easier stacking.

Wrap fragile items individually and fill gaps with towels or linens instead of buying wasteful bubble wrap that’s harmful to the environment.

Step 7: Label and Track Boxes

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Unpacking is a lot easier when boxes are clearly labeled. Include the room, priority and contents. For example “Kitchen / Fragile / Glassware” or “Bedroom / Clothing.”

Keeping a written or digital inventory also helps in case a box gets misplaced.

Step 8: Prepare Furniture and Appliances

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Large items need extra care to travel safely.

• Disassemble beds, tables and shelves when possible.
• Wrap furniture in packing materials, such as soft blankets, to prevent scratches.
• Clean and dry appliances to avoid mould or odours.
• Tape screws and small parts in a labeled bag directly to the furniture.

Step 9: Pack an Essentials Box

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After a long moving day, the last thing you’ll want is to dig through boxes for toothpaste or pajamas. An essentials box makes the first night smoother.

Include the following in it: Toiletries and medications, chargers and important devices, a change of clothes and basic bedding, some snacks, mugs and cutlery.

Step 10: Plan Your Travel and Arrival

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Even if movers are handling the truck, you still need to plan your own trip. Book hotels along the route, pack meals and snacks for the road and arrange childcare or pet care as needed.

On arrival, do a quick home walkthrough before unloading. Check whether the utilities, locks and appliances are working and in good condition.

How Much Does It Cost to Move to Vancouver?

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The cost of moving depends on the distance, the size of your home, and whether the moving company is consolidating multiple shipments into one load vs being exclusively for your own move. On average, long-distance moving companies charge based on weight (per pound) and distance, while local moves are usually billed hourly.

The cost can really add up for cross country moves. For example, the moving cost from Calgary to Vancouver is about $2,000 to $3,500 for a 1-2 bedroom home or $3,500 to $6,000 for a 3-4 bedroom home. Whereas the cost of moving from Toronto to Vancouver is more like $5,000 to $8000 for a 1-2 bedroom home or $8,500 to $12,000 for a 3-4 bedroom.

A short move within BC, such as from Kamloops, would run you approximately $1,500 to $2,800 for a 1-2 bedroom home or $3,000 to $5,000 for a 3-4 bedroom home.

These estimates usually cover: Loading and unloading services, transportation (including fuel and mileage) and basic insurance coverage. Additional services such as packing/unpacking, storage, or full replacement-value insurance may increase the total. Always request an itemized quote to avoid hidden charges.

For a detailed checklist on moving within the province, check out our Moving Checklist for BC

Images from Depositphotos